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Health insurance and preventive services–is it all going to be covered now?

04-06-2010 by Colleen King

In the recently passed health care reform bill (yes, THAT again) one of the things that was addressed was eliminating co-pays or cost sharing for preventive services. I haven’t heard how that exactly is going to work, but if it’s like other things I’ve seen, not all things labeled ‘preventive’ will be covered. This link is from another state, but the types of services recommended are pretty standard.

Some carriers on their plans already have low or no co-pays for mammograms, Pap smears and PSA blood tests. Colon cancer screening, usually just a smear but sometimes colonoscopy, is included. Check your plan documents or call your carrier to know for sure. But more expensive things, like most ultrasounds, scans, etc., are not considered regular preventive care. Those are considered more diagnostic in nature, meaning someone is probably looking for a problem, so it’s going to be subject to your deductible.

I’ve come across something in the newspaper and television lately that I’m going to check out and you might want to also. And organization called HealthFair.com offers screening packages of tests. You can get a cardiac screening which includes an EKG, ultrasound and arterial stiffness exam, a vascular/stroke screening which includes a carotid artery ultrasound, abdominal aorta ultrasound checking for an aortic aneurysm, and another test that checks for peripheral artery disease. Or you can do both for $199.

These mobile fairs are all over Southern California and I believe across the country. I’m not endorsing yet them as I’ve not used them before but I’m going to check this out. I had a carotid ultrasound earlier this year that WITH the insurance company discount was over $400. I think it’s something to look into though, if you are in your late 40s and up. They offer different series of blood tests, there’s all kinds of things. Cost for these screenings may vary by locations, so don’t hold me to this, check it out for yourself.

This sounds like a cost effective way to at least get a baseline, but is not intended to replace an exam by your doctor. I’m signing up, you might want to check out their site. Got to save where you can!